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San Francisco 49ers: 5 Biggest Roster Needs Heading into 2017 Offseason

By Peter Panacy

Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of the San Francisco 49ers helmet before game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The 49ers beat the Broncos 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of the San Francisco 49ers helmet before game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The 49ers beat the Broncos 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports /
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January 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Tre Mason (27) runs the football against San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Tre Mason (27) runs the football against San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) during the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 3: Inside Linebacker

While rushing the passer is going to be important, teams learned they could simply run the ball right down the 49ers’ collective throat with great effect over 2016.

No wonder why San Francisco’s historically bad run defense ranked dead last in the NFL.

True, fans can trust All-Pro linebacker NaVorro Bowman (Achilles) returns to form. The same moderate hopes can be placed on fellow ILB Ray-Ray Armstrong (pectoral). Still, upgrading the interior of the Niners’ linebacker corps will go a long way in ensuring San Francisco’s defense returns to its 2012 form.

Free-Agent Targets

  • Sean Spence
  • Zach Brown
  • Kevin Minter
  • Kiko Alonso (RFA)

NFL Draft Targets

  • Reuben Foster, Alabama
  • Zach Cunningham, Vanderbilt
  • Jarrad Davis, Florida
  • Raekwon McMillan, Ohio State
  • Anthony Walker